Six Shots Deep

Finding Them

"I've been running for as long as I can remember. Ain't no way I'm backing down now."

That's what I kept telling myself. I knew Ma needed me, but I couldn't stop. I need to find those bastards who killed Pa and bring him justice.

My name is Rose Irene Louis. I'm twenty seven. And looking for my fathers killers. They were out there. I know they were. The only question is where? And how would I track them? I ran from home when I was eighteen one night and haven't been back since. I knew Ma had taken ill, but I couldn't go back until I brought my Pa some justice.

I wandered into a small little town on horseback. My horse, Whiskey, was a Raven black Shire horse that I stole. He was a strong and mighty steed whom I loved very much. I tethered him outside the saloon and walked up the steps, throwing my rifle across my shoulder. My spurs clinked against the floor as I walked.

I leaned against the bar, ordering a beer to quench my thirst. The bartender accepted the money and slid a beer my way. I took a long gulp, savoring the saliva it produced with its bland flavor.

"Say," the bartender looked over to me, cleaning a shot glass, "what's a little girl doin all by herself out here? Dangerous to be travelin' alone."

"You worry bout yourself," I hissed, "I'm doin just fine."

"Just tryna look out for a pretty lady like yourself," he smirked at me over the counter.

I chuckled and looked down, shaking my head. "I wouldn't be doin that if I were you, buddy."

"Doin what?" He tested.

I looked up at him, my emerald eyes narrowing. "You don't know who you're messin' with."

He smirked again. "Enlighten me then, cowgirl."

I looked down again, wondering if I really should be riling up trouble. I shook my head. "You ain't worth it," I snarled before chugging down the remainder of my beer. He looked at me with a surprised look on his face as I slammed the empty beer bottle down on the bar. "You have yourself a fine night, mister." And with that, I turned on my heel, heading for the door.

I climbed up on Whiskey, turning him to head out of the town. As night slowly rolled in, I found a secluded area surrounded by trees to stop and camp for the night. After my tent was set up and I had a small fire burning, I cooked and garnished some meat. I fed Whiskey a carrot as a few guys traveled outside the tree line.

I got my rifle from Whiskeys saddle and loaded it, ready to fire if someone tried to jump me. After everything went silent, I let out a sigh and sat down next to the fire, my rifle on the ground next to me. Whiskey laid down in the grass, worn out. I got my map from my satchel, searching over it. I had no clue in hell where I was goin but I would find out soon enough.

The breaking of a twig pulled me out of my thoughts. I shot up, my rifle pointed in the direction of the sudden sound. A rabbit appeared out of the bushes. I lowered my rifle, letting out a relieved sigh.

"Damn rabbit," I growled, stepping over to it, "go on, git," I kicked my boots in the dirt. It quickly scurried off into the trees. I walked back over to the fire. I sat a little bit closer to Whiskey, patting his head as he laid in the grass. "What're we gonna do boy?" He pushed his head into my hand. I smiled. "That's what I thought," I leaned against him, "we'll find them."

*****

The next morning, I was awake bright and early. I packed up and headed towards the next small town. Once I arrived, I headed into the stables to get Whiskey some things. As I lead my big shire, a stable boy looked over to me.